NASA’s Armstrong Flight Research Center in Edwards, California, conducts NASA’s high-risk, atmospheric flight research and test projects; operates platform aircraft to obtain world-class Earth science and astrophysics data; and applies skills and capabilities to innovative solutions for other NASA and national aerospace endeavors. Workforce skills, technical infrastructure, and processes/procedures are built on more than 75 years of experience.
- Research and Engineering: Armstrong’s Research and Engineering Directorate provides research and project support through six engineering disciplines: Aerodynamics and Propulsion; Aerostructures; Dynamics and Controls; Sensors and Systems Development; Systems Engineering and Integration; and Vehicle Integration and Instrumentation.
- Flight Operations: The center’s Flight Operations Directorate manages and provides technical direction for all Armstrong flight operations and flight support activities. The Flight Crew, Aircraft Maintenance, and Operations Engineering branches keep Armstrong’s crew and aircraft functioning safely and efficiently.
- Programs and Projects: The Programs and Projects Directorate manages all of Armstrong’s programs and projects. It serves the center and other NASA installations, military and other federal agencies, industry, and academia. The primary function of the directorate is to achieve project management objectives (scope, resources, schedule) in a safe and efficient manner.
- Mission Operations: The Mission Operations Directorate provides world-class test systems capabilities and flight test and research support through cutting-edge products and services.
- Armstrong Newsroom: Armstrong’s Office of Communications strives to inform the public and the media about NASA’s missions and promote NASA Armstrong’s mission to advance technology and science through flight. This is accomplished through news releases, the X-Press employee newsletter, Armstrong website, social media, exhibits, and speakers.
- Support Services: The talented employees who serve in mission support roles facilitate our partners’ needs from the introduction to the center through the final handshake. They help by working together to communicate the agency’s and the center’s work, arranging tours of our test facilities, finding the skill sets to meet partner needs, working with partner staff to develop a Statement of Work, and facilitating the access to NASA equipment, facilities and capabilities. Support services include procurement, finance, facilities, education, information technology, security, legal, aerial and ground photography and videography, public affairs, safety, and technical publications.
Civil Service Careers
NASA’s Armstrong Flight Research Center has a variety of opportunities for scientists, engineers, technicians, and other professionals that range from student to senior career levels.
- All NASA civil service vacancies open to the public are posted at the USAJOBS.
- Vacancy announcements open only to NASA civil service employees can be found at the USAJOBS NASA website.
Information about applying for NASA jobs can be found in the NASA Applicant Guide.
Contractor Employment
Contractor Employment Opportunities lists government contractors that support Armstrong Flight Research Center’s missions, infrastructure, and daily operations.
Student Internships and Careers
NASA Armstrong offers internship opportunities for students across the nation. Internships are typically 10-week summer or 16-week spring or fall hands-on traineeships that provide students with unique NASA-related research and operational experiences. Read More
The NASA Pathways Intern Employment Program (IEP) is open to students who are currently enrolled or accepted for enrollment in a qualifying educational program. The Pathways IEP provides opportunities to work and explore careers while still in school. Pathways IEP appointments may be for indefinite periods without not-to-exceed (NTE) dates or appointments with NTE dates of up to one year. If you successfully complete an appointment without an NTE date at NASA, you may be converted to permanent employment or term employment of up to six years. Read More
To find internship opportunities:
- Federal agencies post intern opportunities on USAJOBS.
- Review current NASA IEP vacancies at Pathways Opportunities.
- Create an account on USAJOBS and sign up to be automatically notified about vacancies meeting your interests.
Send inquiries to NASA Armstrong Human Resources.
